Fireworks shows, Lynyrd Skynyrd performance mark spirited Independence Day in Clarksville

Kyle Watts / For The Leaf Chronicle
·3 min read

Want to make the most of Independence Day and celebrate freedom to the fullest?

The City of Clarksville will celebrate with a fireworks show and entertainment lineup on July 3 at Liberty Park. Activities and music will begin at 5 p.m. The fireworks display will begin at 9:10 p.m.

The 101st Airborn Division (Air Assault) Band will start the evening with a mix of rock and roll covers from the 1970's all the way to today's hits.

Fireworks capped the night of celebration at Fort Campbell on July 4 in 2019.
Fireworks capped the night of celebration at Fort Campbell on July 4 in 2019.

Headlining the event is country music singer Hannah Ellis. A Kentucky native, Ellis is one of country's newest and most exciting voices, lending her talents for the celebration.

An array of good eats will be available to satisfy any craving from sweet treats like snow cones and popsicles to savory favorites like tacos, grilled cheese and gourmet burgers. Food vendors include:

  • Say Cheese Please

  • Burgasm

  • Tacos Azteca

  • D&B Concessions

  • Poppin' in the City

  • MI Coney LLC

  • Bondi Bowls

  • Kona Ice of Hopkinsville/Clarksville

  • B'More Salty TN

  • Johnny's June's Italian Ice

  • Snowie Brothers & Poptown Popsicles

Presenting the colors at the Clarksville Independence Day celebration.
Presenting the colors at the Clarksville Independence Day celebration.

Parking will be available at CMCSS Central Services South, 1312 State Hwy. 48, and Cumberland Plaza Parking Garage, 133 Commerce St., once the lot in front of Liberty Park Grill is full.

Clarksville Transit Shuttle Service will begin at 5 p.m. from both locations. There will be pick ups every 10 minutes. Shuttle Service will pause during the fireworks display.

Parking in lower Liberty Park and along the 48/13 Hwy roadside is prohibited.

This event is free and open to the public.

Lynyrd Skynyrd to perform July 4 ahead of fireworks show

If you'd rather get your fill of explosive national pride on July 4, Fort Campbell has you covered. Starting at 4 p.m. at Fort Campbell Division Parade Field, 6390 Desert Storm Ave., the fireworks event will include a Kids Zone that will be open until 8 p.m.

Live music by rock icon Lynyrd Skynyrd, iconic grunge band Stone Temple Pilots and special guest Cassadee Pope will start performances at 6 p.m. with the grand finale fireworks display at 10 p.m.

This event is free and open to all Department of Defense and Non-DoD ID card holders. Non-ID holders will need to enter through Gates 4 or 7. Be ready with your vehicle registration, proof of insurance and a valid photo ID for each person in the vehicle over 16 years of age, organizers say.

Personal fireworks, firearms, outside alcohol, glass bottles, pets and grills are prohibited.

Declan Wright, Jordan Koury and Alyssa Nyilas having fun at Clarksville's Independence Day celebration.
Declan Wright, Jordan Koury and Alyssa Nyilas having fun at Clarksville's Independence Day celebration.

What you need to know about shooting fireworks at home

Clarksville citizens may launch their own fireworks starting July 1 through 5 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Discharging fireworks from a motor vehicle is strictly prohibited.

Clarksville Fire Rescue offers these safety tips for fireworks:

  • Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks. Pets are more sensitive to loud noise, flashing lights, and strong smells.

  • Remain mindful of veterans and others who may experience anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder around fireworks.

  • Know your fireworks, read the labels and understand the specifications before igniting.

  • A responsible adult, 18 or older, should oversee and ensure the proper use of fireworks.

  • Wear proper safety gear, such as safety glasses and gloves, when shooting fireworks.

  • Light one firework at a time and then move away.

  • Ensure fireworks are used outdoors in a clear area, away from buildings, cars, or other potential hazards. Keep away from dry grass, brush, leaves, and flammable substances.

  • Have a bucket of water, charged water hose, or fire extinguisher nearby.

  • Don’t relight a dud firework. Soak the firework in a bucket of water overnight to ensure proper safety.

  • Fireworks should not be carried in your pocket or shot from metal or glass containers.

  • Spent fireworks can still be a fire hazard,  so wet them down and place them in a metal trash can away from a building or combustible materials.

  • Be extra careful with sparklers, they can reach temperatures over 1,200 degrees.

Any person who witnesses fireworks used illegally or outside the permitted time should dial 9-1-1.

This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Fireworks, Lynyrd Skynyrd to lead July 4 celebrations in Clarksville